Arsenal could part ways with Eddie Nketiah as they look to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford during the January transfer window, according to Independent.
The Gunners have identified Toney as their prime striker target, but they face a huge stumbling block over the asking price. The Bees currently value him at around £80 million.
With Financial Fair Play concerns, the club can’t afford to meet the demands but the scenario could be different if they manage to recoup funds from player departures.
Independent claim that Nketiah is a dispensable figure in the squad, though manager Mikel Arteta continues to admire the impact that the striker can have.
Crystal Palace made an approach to sign him earlier this week which was rejected, but they could revisit their interest next month if Arsenal contemplate his exit.
Nketiah could be sold for Toney’s arrival
Nketiah was rewarded with a new long-term contract last year, but he has yet to reach the heights to become a consistent goalscoring striker for the Gunners.
He has netted only five times in the Premier League this term and three of those came in one game against Sheffield United. He is currently playing second fiddle to Gabriel Jesus.
The 24-year-old is valued at £30 million by Transfermarkt and the hierarchy may ideally want close to £40m to consider his departure in the upcoming transfer window.
This would allow them to invest the funds on the purchase of Toney. The Bees could be willing to accept around £60m up front with a further £20m in the form of add-ons.
Toney would definitely be an upgrade on the existing striking options. He had a brilliant shot conversion rate of 21 per cent in the Premier League last season for the Bees.
His finishing skills and strong physical presence in the box would improve the club’s prospects of competing for the title during the back end of the campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
